Legend states that the Hindu mother goddess gave a spear to Murugan, the god of war. With this spear, she helped him destroy an evil demon. Once a year on the full moon, Tamil Hindus around the world commemorate this during the fascinating Thaipusam Festival. They do so by fasting for 48 hours, and carrying heavy pots of milk on their heads. Others, incredibly, by “spearing” their own skin. Some even wear heavy, elaborate metal cages that are literally “fish hooked” and chained into...

I was in the Philippines during Typhoon Yolanda. I weathered the storm with a family in Legazpi, about 250kms away from the epicenter, Tacloban City. I volunteered doing repacking afterward, but at the time, was not allowed to visit Tacloban. 3 years later, I finally got my chance. I flew to Leyte province, and I must say...Tacloban is doing much, much better than I thought it would be...

Of all the incredible places I've explored in the Philippines, people might be surprised to learn that Romblon Island tops the list. After all, you don't hear too much about this place. Perhaps it's because it's overshadowed by it's massively popular (and crowded) neighbor Boracay. Well let me tell you...Romblon is loaded with charm and scenic beauty.

I have to be honest, the Sony RX100 is a great camera. However, the only reason I used it for my Chinatown street photography was because my Ricoh GR battery died! Haha...to tell the truth, I was surprised to learn that the RX100 is capable out on the Singapore streets, too!

Taking photos in India was one of the highlights of my career. However, I was shocked to find some of the same scenes right in the city of Singapore - during my Little India Street Photography shoot! Indeed, with my Ricoh GR II in tow, I once again discovered the colorful sights, sounds, and exotic tastes of rich and spicy Indian curries.

Singapore is a gleaming, modern metropolis...but if you dig deep, there is still quite a bit of natural and cultural heritage to be found. Take for example the fascinating old jungle cemetery known as Bukit Brown. Abandoned for many decades, it is the final resting place for many early Chinese pioneers...and currently home to a lot of colorful wildlife–such as kingfishers, woodpeckers, and even a troop of curious monkeys!